The Shortlist for Dec. 18

"Glee" star and rising star author Chris Colfer chatted with the New York Times recently for a Q&A in the Sunday Book Review section -- and the interview is nothing short of adorable. He admits that the last book that made him cry was probably "Marley and Me," while the last book he loved was "'Bad Cat,' a picture book filled with adorable photos of cats in compromised and suggestive positions [with] witty comments." He continues: "I thought about a bunch of political, classical and current titles to say instead, in hopes to impress, but it would have been a lie."

Asked what he'd recommend an aspiring actor to read, Colfer notes that "history and psychology" are more valuable than some how-to book on acting. "I'd also pick up a Los Angeles traffic guide for driving around to auditions, and a self-help book on rejection if the auditions don't go well," he adds. 'Trust me, those will come in handy." (NYT)